Reflecting On FRC Transparency By Entities

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Financial Reporting Council FRC under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has frowned against the non transparent, accountable practices of the existing companies in Nigeria, hence creating suspicion among companies operating within the country and the foreign ones .

Aside all this non corporate conducts , government was simultaneously been denied the statutory revenues on the operations of the both local and foreign companies or partners, as well as paint a gloomy image of the country before the international communities.

The new leadership under the Executive Secretary, Financial Reporting Council FRC under Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo has perfected plans to address without further delay by putting in place necessary machinery to address the lingering and unethical conducts that had dented the image of the country.

This was been done through advocacies, seminars , symposiums, talkshops and workshops as well as awareness program through paper presentation at seminars to nip in the bud or reduce to the barest minimum of the unbecoming act that had painted the country negatively before the international communities.

Coming at a time when the country's is seeking for wholistic reforms of its revenue based through payments of appropriate taxes and revenues, with the current ways of operation , if not reversed and reconfigured, will end up not doing the country any good .

These negative development has affected the investors confidence and output due to falsified accounts by companies either through under declaring their profits or over declaring them through falsification.

According to the Executive Secretary ..

 

"Nigerian investors have lost billions of dollars due to companies falsifying and deliberately overstating their accounts, according to Rabiu Olowo, executive secretary/CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN)."

"He disclosed this while delivering a paper titled “Proactive Regulation: A Catalyst for Preventing Audit Failure” at the 2024 audit summit – stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos."

"Olowo emphasised that these fraudulent practices have led to the downfall of numerous companies and caused severe financial damage to investors."

" Olowo highlighted the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the financial reporting and auditing sectors. He pointed out that similar scandals have occurred globally, referencing notable financial collapses such as Enron, Lehman Brothers, and more recently, Wirecard and FTX. These incidents, he said, underscore the devastating consequences of corporate greed and audit failures."

"Nigeria has not been immune to such audit failures. Between 1990 and 1994, the country’s banking sector alone lost over N6 billion ($42.9 million) due to fraud. Cases like the collapse of Afribank Plc in 2011 and the Cadbury Nigeria scandal between 2002 and 2005 revealed significant shortcomings in the auditing process, with auditors accused of facilitating the falsification of accounts. These failures not only resulted in substantial financial losses but also eroded investor confidence in the Nigerian capital market."

"The consequences of these audit failures extend beyond financial losses. They have led to a loss of confidence in the capital market, a credit crunch, capital flight, and a significant drop in market capitalisation. For instance, the market capitalization of the Nigerian Stock Exchange fell from N13.5 trillion to N4.6 trillion in 2009. Additionally, pension funds lost about N2 billion in 2009, and investors became wary of the reliability of corporate financial statements."

"Adding to this, Olowo emphasised that accounting and auditing are professions built on confidence, requiring the courage to uphold what is right, even when unpopular. This integrity is crucial to maintaining society’s trust in audits and auditors. He noted that audit reform must address not only the technical failings but also the human elements that contribute to audit failures. According to Olowo, it’s essential to distinguish between the failings of governance and management and those of audit practices. He stressed that laws alone cannot drive compliance; instead, creating a conducive social context is necessary to encourage ethical behavior and adherence to rules."

"Olowo referenced legal scholars who argue that while laws promote prosocial behavior, their effectiveness depends on the social conditions surrounding them. He reminded stakeholders that genuine reform must focus on people as well as rules, as “only people, not rules, can make good things happen.” To this end, Olowo urged those present, both in person and online, to deliberate on strategies to prevent future audit failures in Nigeria, reiterating the adage that prevention is better than cure."

"In response to these challenges, Olowo, who assumed office on October 16, 2023, has launched a transformational agenda for the FRCN. The agenda, termed “DOSE” (Digitalization, Operational excellence, Stakeholder Engagement, and Enforcement), aims to revitalise the Council and ensure adherence to best practices in financial reporting, auditing, and corporate governance in Nigeria. The FRCN plans to enhance compliance with the FRC Act 2011 and restore investor confidence by ensuring that financial statements from Nigeria are credible and reliable."

"Olowo’s vision is to position the FRCN as a leading financial reporting regulator in Africa, capable of standing alongside its global peers. By holding corporations and individuals accountable, the FRCN aims to restore trust in Nigeria’s corporate reports and governance, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope for the nation’s economy."

In line with amendment of its act , reforms and ongoing repositioning of its regulations in line with the government position on the new tax reform, no doubt the previous order will become a thing of the past .

Governments at all levels is geared towards mobilisation of adequate funds to mitigate the economic, social and Infrastructural development of the country yearning for more attention.

The moves when executed will reform the system, restore image loss of the country and sanitize the operation of both local and international companies operating in the country.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

Group Carpets Sahara Reporters Rogue Journalism Against Presidential Amnesty Programme PAP

By John Owan 

A media Advocacy Group has described Sahara Reporters an online publisher's position on the Presidential Amnesty Program PAP and it's coordinator led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro as jungle journalism, that should not be whisked away at all times .

While condemning the anti media position of the Omoyele Sowore led Sahara Reporters as unprofessional, unethical conducts against PAP administrators , saying the usual practices had tainted the men and women who have distinguished themselves in the media world .

A statement issued by the group and signed by Abiodun Sobanjo tagged. "EXPOSING SAHARA REPORTERS' MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME."  , the convener wondered why Sowore , the publisher of Sahara Reporters is always in the news for bad behaviors, while goads himself in a borrowed raiment of a saint with a claim to fake integrity against the profession and professional ethics.

Even though , difficult to condemn our own , the systemic pollution on the part of Sahara Reporters and it's publisher is becoming unbecoming and capable of eroding the confidence the public space had built overtime on the media.

While describing his tabloid Sahara Reporters as "online rag", he further qualified him as a troubled soul , rather than a social activist whose activities nose dive between politics, activism and blackmail  media .

In his usual gimmicks against the Presidential Amnesty Program PAP ,by making an unfounded allegations against the program and it's management.

The wanton display of unprofessional conducts by Sowore, Sahara Reporters cannot be condoned or protected by co -professionals whose integrity is already in doubt with the way and manner he goes with his tabloid reportage 

With history of a documented unethical practices , were he claimed to have had a professional experience and training from , Sowore was docked in an American court over a slanderous publication against a Nigerian, owing to his inability to differentiate a borderline between professional etiquette and violation of fellow citizens rights.

His approach to sensational publication and non regard to factual evidence has become a thorn in the flesh of Nigeria journalism that needs to be addressed.

He accused Sahara Reporters and it's management of abandoning journalism work and meddling into administrative job of PAP by doctoring Auditors General Reports of 2020/2021 to fit into recent one , stating that aside been case of defamation, forgery was also established on the same row to achieve its myopic ideas against the workaholic management of Dr Dennis Otuaro, the program coordinator.

His cannibalisation of the reports and justification of the same item through constant publication must drew the attention of the Nigerian Press Council NPC,  and other disciplinary organs of Nigeria Union of Journalist NUJ , so as to serve as deterent to yellow journalism like Omoyele Sowore Sahara Reporters who are out to satisfy their pay masters.

We unequivocally condemned the premeditated publication in its entirety and called for retraction by the publisher before the general public , as well as a formal apology to the management of Presidential Amnesty Program PAP under the leadership of Dr Dennis Otuaro.

"MEDIA ADVOCAY GROUP

20, ORENIYI STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS."

"EXPOSING SAHARA REPORTERS' MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME."

"SAHARA REPORTERS AND JUNGLE JOURNALISM: TIME TO END THE MADNESS."

"It is not often we come together as professionals to condemn one of our own. Sahara Reporters indulgence in rogue journalism has become an embarrassment that should not be ignored. The online publication's unethical practices taint the time honoured reputation of men and women engaged in professional journalism."

"Its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is  often in the news for bad behaviour, Sowore goads himself in borrowed raiment of saintism and lays claim to false integrity."

 "He is more of a troubled soul than a social activist. "

"Another of his egregious journalistic malfeasance came to light recently, through courtesy of his online rag, Sahara Reporters."

 "It made false and unfounded allegations  regarding the Presidential Amnesty Programme. "

"This blatant display of rogue journalism is an affront to the very fabric of our profession, and it is our duty to condemn such reprehensible behaviour."

 "Sowore and his publication cannot differentiate nor draw the borderline between professional etiquette and violation of the rights of fellow citizens."

"Sahara Reporters' publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has a well-documented history of unethical practices, including his current entanglement in an American court for slanderous publications against a Nigerian."

 "His penchant for sensationalism and disregard for factual accuracy is a stain on the journalistic community."

"The recent publication in question is a glaring example of Sowore's modus operandi."

 "By doctoring the 2020/2021 Auditor-General's Report to make it appear recent, Sahara Reporters aimed to discredit the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro."

" This deliberate attempt to deceive the public is a clear violation of journalistic ethics."

"It's sad that Sahara Reporters and its handlers accepted to dust up an old Auditor- General's report on the financial activities of the Amnesty Programme, apparently on the prompting of some disgruntled elements who have lost their shady sources of revenue upon the appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro."

"How could  Sahara Reporters have accepted to carry out a hatchet job to use 2020/2021 Auditor General Report to haunt and torment the present leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which was appointed in 2024?"

"Sahara Reporters heavily cannibalized  2020/2021 Auditor General Report to make it appear fresh and presented same to the public as a product of investigative journalism in criminal desperation to impress its paymasters."

"We unequivocally condemn Sahara Reporters' actions and demand an immediate retraction of the publication, as well as a formal apology to Dr. Otuaro and the Presidential Amnesty Programme. "

"The allegations presented in the story are baseless, and we challenge Sahara Reporters to provide concrete evidence to support its claims."

"Established in 2009 by late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been instrumental in restoring oil production to pre-amnesty levels and reducing insecurity in the Niger Delta region." 

"Despite its successes, Sahara Reporters still saw it fit and proper to launch a malicious campaign against the Programme, leveraging on fabricated allegations to tarnish the reputation of its coordinator, Dr. Otuaro."

"The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) must take decisive action against Sahara Reporters for their deliberate breach of journalistic ethics. "

"The online publication has to be sanctioned to serve as a future deference."

 "It must not be allowed the same free run it has basked in since its inception."

 "This time around, Sahara Reporters must not get away with the misdemeanour."

"We also support the ongoing legislative efforts aimed at regulating and streamlining social media practice as it will help to curb the spread of misinformation and protect the integrity of the journalism profession."

"Sahara Reporters' actions constitute a clear case of defamation, and we demand that they take responsibility for their actions."

 "Defamation is a serious offense, and it can have far-reaching consequences for an individual's reputation and livelihood."

"In conclusion, we reiterate our demand for Sahara Reporters to retract the offending publication, apologize to Dr. Otuaro and the Presidential Amnesty Programme without delay."

"We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to shield and protect the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the Presidential Amnesty Programme from undeserved antagonism from rogue publications like sahara Reporters."

"We will not watch helplessly while some few bad eggs destroy our cherished profession."

SIGNED:

MR. ABIODUN SOBANJO

CONVENER 

FOR AND ONBEHALF OF MEDIA ADVOCACY GROUP (MAG).

Oil Producing Community In Niger Delta Accuses Palace Liason Officer, Prince Collins Oritsemeyin Edema Of Impersonation

By John Susan

A Niger- Delta Youth Group, Ugborodo Youths Development Body has described as  embarrassing , unsolicited, while expressing it's displeasure over the recent actions of Prince Collins Oritsemeyin Edema, who under the guise of speaking simultaneously for the itsekiri oil producing communities as representative of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited NNPCL and JV partners,  on behalf of the highly revered monarch, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase 111, the Olu of Warri.

While condemning the act in it's totality, the group further described the actions of Prince Oritsemeyin Edema that led to the publication in a National daily , "Vanguard Newspaper, November 28th, 2024, page 23," over an act of sabotage carried out at Dibi/Olero/ Abiteye Trunk line as an affront , internal war declared against the itsekiri nation. 

The group in a statement signed by Wilson Ejeh, and David Mammah, President and Public Relations Officer maintained that the use of Olu of Warri insignia was not only a forgery, impersonation, but a wanton desecration of the highly revered stool , which was reckless and unacceptable, stating that it is only allowable by the prerogative of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase 111, as our paramount ruler.

Accordingly, Prince Oritsemeyin Edema overstepped his boundaries with the unprecedented decisions, has no locus standi speaking for the three Warri local government areas , oil communities, as well as the itsekiri nation, stating that it is uncouth , and not agreeable.

Clarifying further, the release stated that each communities in itsekiri kingdom has its own spokesman and organs charged with handling of all its activities, including employment with international oil Companies (IOCs), saying for instance issues of employment mentioned in the address fell under the purview of Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body (UCYDB), and not under Prince Oritsemeyin Edema.

The group frowned at Prince Oritsemeyin Edema's actions as tantamount to impersonation, stating that his appointment by the paramount ruler of itsekiri kingdom,Olu of Warri as liason officer was not covering the three Warri local government oil producing areas , and cannot speak for all the itsekiri kingdom, as it is only limited to NNPCL and not including the JV Partners as he is claiming.

They justified their position through the letter despatched to the GMD NNPCL by the monarch in respect of the appointment of Mr Collins Oritsemeyin Edema as a "Palace Liason Officer", (PLO) was unambiguous and explicit on the roles and status attached to his engagement, stating that he had gone beyond his boundaries.

The release further states..

"RE: CHEVRON: ADDRESSING ALL LINGERING ISSUES WITH HOST COMMUNITY IS WIN-WIN FOR ALL PARTIES PUBLISHED ON PAGE 23 OF VANGUARD NEWSPAPER OF THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH, 2024."

"We, the UGBORODO COMMUNITY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT BODY,  write to express our utmost displeasure and embarrassment over the recent actions of one Prince Oritsetimeyin Edema, who claims to be  "Sole Representative and Liaison to NNPCL and JIV Partners", of our esteemed monarch, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri."

"The open letter published in the Vanguard Newspaper of Thursday, November 28, 2024, on page 23,  over the act of sabotage on the Dibi/Olero/Abiteye Trunkline, is a clear example of Prince Edema's thoughtless, ill-conceived, and disrespectful behavior towards the entire Itsekiri nation. "

"His use of the Olu of Warri insignia is tantamount to the desecration of the Olu's stool, it is reckless and unacceptable."

 "This is a prerogative allowable  only to His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, as our paramount ruler."

"This action is unprecedented in the annals of history of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. Prince Edema has no locus to exercise such reckless discretion, and his claims of speaking for the oil-producing communities in the 3 (three) Warri Local Government Areas of Delta State, are uncouth and not agreeable to the Itsekiri people. "

"Each of the Itsekiri communities has its own organs and spokesmen who handle all matters, including employment with International Oil Companies (IOCs). For instance, the issue of employment he emphasised on falls under the purview of the leadership of Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body."

 "Prince Edema cannot speak for us, and his appointment as Liaison Officer by the Olu does not give him the license to speak for the entire Itsekiri Kingdom."

"Prince Edema's appointment is limited to NNPCL and not JV Partners, as he claimed.

 Furthermore, his letter of appointment by our revered monarch does not state that he was appointed as spokesman of the various Itsekiri communities in the 3 Warri LGAs. This is a clear case of impersonation."

"The job scope assigned to Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema was explicitly stated in the letter by our esteemed monarch, titled "Letter Of Authorisation For Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, As Sole Representative and Liason" and dated  January 31st, 2024, which was despatched to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari."

"In the letter, His Majesty, stated,  "We bring you warm greetings from Warri Kingdom."

"In a letter with reference number, OWP. 1111/9, and dated 2nd October, 2023, my Palace informed you of Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, as the Palace Liaison Officer to your establishment, he also serves as my sole representative until otherwise communicated."

"In the appointment letter, Collins Edema was not assigned the mandate as the Spokesman of the various Itsekiri communities in the three Warri Local Government Areas."

"We repeat and emphasize that Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema cannot speak for us. And we are happy that the Palace didn't confer on him the authority to speak for us.  He is merely arrogating that power to himself. "

"To this end, We seize this medium to urge all IOCs operating in our areas to shun and disregard all correspondences from Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema regarding employment and other issues.  He is on a mission for self-aggrandizement. His activities are self-seeking and self-serving. "

"We therefore condemn Prince Edema's actions and his attempt to justify the economic saboteurs' actions in the fate of the ill-fated Dibi/Olero/Abiteye Trunk like."

" His write-up is a pointer to the fact that either he knows those responsible for the heinous action or he is sympathetic to their wrong course."

"We seize this medium to urge our  respected Royal Majesty and esteemed Olu of Warri, to review the terms of engagement of Prince Edema before he further embarrasses the revered stool and sons and daughters of Iwere land."

"It is high time to call Prince Edema to order before he damages our Royal Majesty's  enviable credibility and brings Iwere land into disrepute."

"The security agencies must fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act of the attack on the Dibi/Olero/Abiteye Trunklike and bring them to book. "

"We condemn the action and we make bold to demand that the criminals  should not escape justice. No one should be allowed to hide under the cloak of demanding employment slots from IOCs to embark on collateral damage of the nation's economic assets."

"The OICs and their servicing companies must be encouraged to operate without let or hindrance in our areas. "

"This is the way to enhance growth and development in our areas."

"We recall the fate of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and their servicing companies during the ill-fated Warri crisis, which led to their fleeing our areas. "

We should not allow a repeat of the sad story of the past.

Your's faithfully,

MR. WILSON EJEH

PRESIDENT 

MR. DAVID MAMAH

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO).

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF UGBORODO YOUTHS DEVELOPMENT BODY

Anti Corruption And Transparency Unit; You Are Leading From The Front; ICPC To National Productivity Centre

The Chairman, Independent corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr  Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has commended the Director-General of National Productivity Centre, Dr Baffa Babba Dan'Agundi for supporting the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to fight corrupt practices in the Centre. 

The Chairman, who was represented by the Director, System Study and Review, Mr Olusegun Oguntade, made this commendation at the annual sensitization programme organized by the Centre's ACTU in Abuja, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He was accompanied by NPC ACTU Desk Officer, Mrs Ajoke Ifejika and some other members of the Commission. 

" I wish to commend the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre for the support he has been giving to the ACTU in the Centre", he said. 

Speaking on the role of ACTU as an in-house check mechanism for curbing corruption and building ethical public institutions, the chairman said:

"ACTU  is an initiative of the Commission. It is the ICPC engagement platform for public sector organizations established to assist the ICPC in curbing corruption and establishing standards in Ministries, departments, and Agencies (MDAs)". 

 

Emphasizing the support of the management,  he explained that "the support of the management is key to the successful operation of the unit." He therefore requested more support from the management .

Earlier, while thanking the ICPC team for the sensitization and the good working relationship between the two agencies, Dr. Dan' Agundi stated that his leadership has zero tolerance for corruption and all related practices, citing practical examples of his activities since taking over the helms of affairs of the Centre. 

 While expressing his appreciation to directors for their continuous support, and the staff  for  their adherence to the rules of engagement, he advised them to desist from doing anything that would undermine their integrity, tasking them to always do the right thing to avoid getting into trouble. 

 "Do not get yourself involved in anything that will make you not to speak with confidence when answering  questions concerning your job".

He, however, expressed confidence in the Centre's transparency and  accountability.

"Now that I'm in charge, I make sure 

we do not cross any line.

"When I saw your letter requesting for information about projects, I sent them directly to the appropriate person and directed him to supply all the information needed because from what I know, they have done their job well, especially in the procurement process.

Being an Ambassador of EFCC, Dr Dan' Agundi said he would not cross the line, recognizing that the activities of the Centre were being monitored. 

"Your coming reminds us that we are being monitored, and this will prevent people from being tempted to do the wrong thing" he added.

The exercise aimed to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in public service.

The NPC Anti Corruption & Transparency Unit (ACTU) sensitization exercise targeted all members of staff, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards in public administration. The goal was to enhance the understanding of anti-corruption measures, promote the fight against corruption, and encourage reporting of malpractices.

Court Settles 19years Property Dispute, Dismisses Uche Okoli, Multi-Shelter's Case

By Dansu Peter 

The Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, has ordered Uche Okoli and his property firm, Multi-shelter Nigeria Limited to vacate a property located at Plot No. 713, Cadastral Zone B14, Duste District, Abuja, for one Dr. Ngozika Nwaneri. 

The court also awarded the sum of N10m against Uche Okoli and his company as general damages for trespass and N1m as the cost of the action and another N162m and N28m to a Subscriber and 3rd Defendant/Counter Claimant, Mr. Henry Anuforo, as the cost he spent on building on part of Plot 713 Dutse, sold to him by Multi-Shelter. 

Uche Okoli, his firm and 18 others had dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Dr Ngozika Nwaneri, a United States based surgeon and businessman  before the court over the ownership of Plot 713, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, Abuja. 

Okoli is the 1st Claimant while his firm is the 2nd claimant. Dr Nwaneri on his part filed a counterclaim, through his counsel, Dr. Lilian Ojimma, which makes him the 2nd defendant and counter claimant in the suit. 

In 2005, Dr Nwaneri engaged 

Uche Okoli, the MD of Multi-Shelter Ltd, to acquire plots of land for him in Abuja, and in furtherance of the engagement, Okoli got and presented to Dr Nwaneri, papers in respect of three Plots of Land, one each in Katampe Extension District, Sector C District, and Asokoro IV District, all within Abuja, as the Plots he purchased for him. Dr Nwaneri subsequently engaged one Mr. Victor Muoneke, a legal practitioner, as his attorney to register his title to the three plots. 

However, the search reports that Mr. Muoneke obtained from Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) in his bid to register the 2nd Defendant's title to the Plots revealed the titles to the various properties to be unauthentic, when confronted about the report, Uche Okoli explained that he purchased the Plots from one Aminu Ibrahim Gaya who worked with the Federal Capital Development Authority. 

Uche Okoli and Gaya were arraigned by the EFCC in court but Okoli was later used as prosecution witness against Gaya after settling Dr. Nwaneri with Plot 713 Dutse. Gaya was however found not guilty as the court held that the charge against him could not be substantiated without the Prosecution tendering all the title documents to the three plots. 

Meanwhile, the 1st Claimant had signed series of documents including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated 12th February, 2013; and a Deed of Assignment and Power of Attorney, both of which he signed as director of the 2nd Claimant. The documents effectively transferred ownership of the property in dispute, plot 713 Dutse, to the 2nd Defendant as replacement for the three Plots above that AGIS found to be unauthentic. 

After the conclusion of the trial of Gaya, Okoli turned around to claim that he was forced by the EFCC to sign the documents of the property in dispute in favour of Dr Nwaneri.

Uche Okoli approached the court through his lawyer, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, SAN, to seek the following reliefs: 

“A declaration that the act of the 1st Defendant (EFCC) by releasing to the 2nd  Defendant, the 2nd Claimant’s originalCertificate of Occupancy with certificate No. la7ew+601z543fr-12912-10 deposited as Bond by the 1st Claimant to secure hos bail pending the final investigation and the Court Judgment in the matter before Hon. Justice 0.0. Goodluck, in Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/683/2013 between Federal Republic of Nigeria v Aminu Ibrahim Gaya for the alleged offence of forgery reported by the 2nd Defendant against the 1st Claimant  is illegal, unlawful and unjustifiable. “

The claimants prayed the court for an order mandating/compelling the 1st and 2nd Defendants, to retum to the 1st Claimant  the original Certificate of Occupancy of Plot 713 Dutse District.

They also prayed the court for an order  nullifying/setting aside any Power of Attorney, Deed of Assignment and/or agreement purportedly signed by the 1st Claimant on behalf of the 2nd Claimant, arguing that such signing is unauthorised amd was obtained under duress. 

After full trial of the case and  listening to submissions of Counsel in the matter, the court dismissed the claimants' case and described their action as fraudulent. 

The Court was particularly vexed by the conduct of Uche Okoli and his lawyers who continued building and selling lands in the disputed property while the case was pending, and despite the subsistence of Order of injunction granted by the Court in November 2018. The Hon. Chief Judge also berated the conduct of the Claimants’ counsel who joined parties in the Suit and represented them in Court without their consent. The Court further questioned the character and integrity of a lawyer and 3rd Claimant in the case, Mr. Hope Onyekwere, who testified in Court on behalf of parties that neither knew him nor authorized his testimony on their behalf.

Hon. Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf commended the industry of lawyers in the case and held, " I appreciate the industry of Counsel in the case and particularly, Dr. Lilian Ojimma, for how gallantly she held her fort against the community of parties and intrigues that she had to contend with in the case.”

"In conclusion, the respective cases of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sets of Claimants fail and are dismissed, the 2nd as well as the 3rd defendant's respective counterclaims succeeds in the term already set out above, and the counterclaim by the 4th -7th defendants are struck out. 

"A declaration is hereby made that the 1st claimant who held himself out as a property agent, estate developer and consultant owe the 2nd Defendant/Counter Clamant a duty of care in purchasing the three Plots of Lands on behalf of the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant which duty was breached by the 1st Claimant's failure and or refusal to carry out any due diligence whatsoever on the status of the Plots before pay ment for them. 

"A Declaration is hereby made that the act of the 1st Claimant, who held himself out as a property agent, estate developer and consultant, in purchasing three Plots of land for the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant without carrying out any due diligence whatsoever is negligent and/or fraudulent and for which the claimants are liable for the loss resulting therefrom. 

"A Declaration is hereby made that the 2nd Defendant Counter Claimant is entitled to resttution for the three Plots of land which the 1st Claimant/Defendant to the Counter claim purchased for the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant without carrying out any due diligence whatsoever and which plots were declared forged by the Land Registry (i.e. Abuja Geographic Information System). 

"A declaration is hereby made that the agreement duly executed between the Claimants/Defendants to the Counter Claim and the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant in 2013, which transferred title of Plot No. 713, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, Abuja with File No. MISC 89161 and Certificate of 

Occupancy No. 1a7ew-48012-5a3fr-12912-10 to the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant is valid and binding on the parties and has duly transferred title to the 2bd Defendant/Counterclaimant with respect to the said Plot. 

"An Order of Court is hereby made mandating the Claimants/Defendants to the Counter Claim to vacate, forthwith, the property known as Plot No. 713, Cadastral Zone B14, Duste District, Abuja with file No. MISC 89161 covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. la7ew-4801z-Sa3fr-12912-10, which has been duly transferred to the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant as replacement for the three Plots purchased for him without due diligence. 

"An order of Perpetual injunction is herehy made restarining the Claimants/Defendants to the Counter clain Whether by themselves, thelr agents, assigns or anybody claming any right howsoever known through them from entering, futher entering, occupying, building of continuing with building operations, trespassing or further trespassing or howsoever dealing or tampering with the property known as Plot No. 713, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, Abuja with file No. MISC 89161 covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. la7cw-4801z-Sa3fr-12912-10, Dutse District, Abaja belonging to the 2nd Defendant/Counter Claimant." 

Mato Congratulates Graduands Of Fidei Polytechnic

... Says God will Open Doors For Them To Become Great Achievers

By Terfa Naswem 

Co-Founder and Cultural Ambassador of Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs Dorathy Mato has congratulated Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) graduands of Fidei Polytechnic.

In a Thanksgiving Mass held in their honour on Sunday, 1st December, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Chaplaincy, Fidei Polytechnic, Mato enormously appreciated the graduands for the discipline they exhibited throughout their years on campus. 

While encouraging them to keep the light shining even as they depart Fidei Polytechnic for prosperous beginning, she prayed God Almighty to open ample doors of opportunities so that they will have good jobs, become great achievers and get married to wonderful partners who will give them all the love that they want.

She commended Rev. Fr. Barr. Isaiah Ter, the Chaplain of the Chaplaincy for his potent contributions to the spiritual development of students and bringing out the latent talents in them for self-development.

The Thanksgiving Mass was attended by graduands, students, parents and guardians including staff of the Polytechnic.

Akura Eulogizes Rev. Fr. Dr. Alia For Redeploying Him To Serve The Benue People In High Capacity

...Assures the Governor of a continued loyalty and working synergy to move Benue State forward

By Iortyer Eric

Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning and Development, Hon. Dr. Dennis Akura, KSJI, JP, has expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for finding him worthy of redeployment and elevation to a higher Capacity to spearhead the development and stability of the Benue economy.

Dr. Akura expressed his delightfulness on 1st December, 2024, when he received an official notice of his redeployment to high capacity as Special Adviser on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning and Development, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kulas, NIPR.

He assured the Rev. Gentleman of his resolved to redouble his efforts to scout into the dwindling economic system of the state that has lingered over decades and applied his long standing worth of administrative experience to assist him the speedily reshape the phase of Benue economy and to fulfill his campaign promises to the Benue Masses beyond 2027.

While congratulating his new successor at the Bureau, Hon Denen Aondoakaa, who has been reassigned from Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Delivery to Principal Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Dennis Akura, called on the management and staff of the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to maintain their usual good working relationship with the new Bureau Special Adviser to enable him succeed on his new mandate.

He finally called on the Benue Masses to come out en-mass to appreciate Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for the honor done to him & also to celebrate with him on his new higher elevation.

Iortyer Eric is Media and Publicity Aide to the SA on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning and Development, Benue State.

Attack On Chevron's Olero/Dibi Flow Line: Godwin Ebosa Condemns Attack

... Urges Security Agencies To Fish Out, Prosecute Perpetrators

By Phoebe James 

A prominent  Indigene of Niger Delta, Mr Godwin Ebosa has condemned in strongest terms the recent attacks on the facility of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) at Olero / Dibi/ Abiteye in Delta state, describing it as an act of sabotage.

While further describing the development as premeditated, meant to reverse the success recorded on the nation's economy, to stop it's emergence from the present recession.

According to Ebosa , the attack was needless , capable of reversing the hand of the clock, saying the perpetrators must be brought to book, so as to serve as deterent to others.

The vandals reasons for the attack on the premise of not providing job opportunities for the indigenes was flimsy , and not meant to engage in the destruction of the company's properties.

He called for an urgent investigation into the destruction of the pipelines, stating that the reason was beyond meeting the eyes and pontificating puerilties, so as to get to the nitty-gritty of the circumstances surrounding the incidence.

While commending the community leaders around the area who had made useful sacrifices, making reference to Mr Sunny Omatseye, Tony Aderojo, David Odeli and Mike Odeli among others who have displayed sane leadership qualities overtime . 

He averred that these leaders for a long time had taken  the responsibility of interfacing between the oil company and communities seamlessly, and why were they not consulted by intimating them? .

No doubt , few rascals and irresponsible elements has constituted themselves as leaders to carry out such dastardly and destructive act, rather than deploy lawful means .

He advised the youths particularly in the Niger Delta Region to shun vandalism and destruction of government properties, capable of retarding the progress and development of the area.

The youths according to him are expected to protect the properties of multi nationals companies and report any untoward activities to the constituted authority, while channeling their grievances through appropriate channel.

While appealing to the youths to embrace truce rather than confrontation, he assured them that amicable resolution of crises is sine -qua- non to a crises free society.

"The recent attack and vandalization of the OLERO/DIBI/ABITEYE Crude Flow line operated by the American energy giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Delta State is a very sad development."

"It was a premeditated incident. And it was meant to wreak havoc on the nation's economy, and stop its emergence from the present recession."

 

 "The attack is uncalled for. It is clear that it is a deliberate act sabotage to the national interest. And those responsible for the heinous crime must be brought to face the full weight of the law."

"The reasons given by the faceless perpetrators, particularly that they were not provided jobs by Chevron multinational, was a worthless reason to destroy the pipelines."

 "It is puerile and unacceptable. It is clear that there is more to the attack than meets the eye, hence a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the actual reason for the vandalism."

"In the area where the incident happened, there is a  structured leadership in place. We have responsible leaders such as Chief Sunny Omatseye, Mr. Tony Aderojo, Mr. David Odeli and Mr. Mike Odeli, among others, who have been living up to their responsibility as leaders of their people."

"These leaders have been taking up the challenges facing their people. If the perpetrators were honest with the reason given - it wouldn't have been necessary to go that far. "

"They should have intimated their leaders of such grievances. "

"It is unfortunate that a few rascals have resorted to destructive tendencies, rather than employ constitutional and lawful means to ventilate their anger."

"Our youths, particularly those in the oil-producing areas, must shun violence and vandalism of government facilities."

 "They should protect oil pipelines located in their localities and present their grievances to known leaders, who would then forward such demands to the oil companies and authorities concerned for action."

 "It is the only way to ensure that grievances are heard and addressed without resorting to violence or other unwholesome actions."

" Anything outside the foregoing has criminal connotations. And it is against the law."

"In conclusion, I make bold to say that the attack on the Olero/Dibi Flow line is outrightly despicable and unpatriotic."

"We urge security agencies to take immediate action to unravel the incident, uncover the identities of the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. "

"It will serve as a deterrent to those who want to commit such crimes in the future. "

"All hands must be on deck to fight this barbarism. The people of the region must join forces to fight this malaise."

 "Crude oil is the mainstay of the nation's economy, and therefrom, our state is given 13% derivation fund for development. "

"We mustn't fold our hands and pretend that all is well. 

Let us go all out against the common enemy."

SIGNED: MR. GODWIN EBOSA